happy homecoming

After almost 9 months away, Sean is home! We are so glad this long deployment is finally behind us and that Sean and his team are home safe. Cullen has been so excited to have Daddy home, and loves showing off his new skills to Daddy. Finn has warmed up quickly to Sean and has even been sharing those sweet smiles. We are enjoying this next week, because Sean goes right into Jump Master School (working 7 days a week).

I also posted a picture of the souvenir that Sean brought home for me this time. It's always fun to see what he picks out for me... He brought me home a purple burka and two camels made from bullet shells from Afghanistan. A Celtic shawl and leprechaun snow globe from his layover in Ireland the last time he came home from Iraq. This year I am especially pleased with his gift... he got us a hand carved Nativity Set. They are hand carved from the Olive Trees in Iraq and sadly, if any Christian is caught making these, they are killed. They are absolutely stunning, thanks Sean!!

Finn-Finn is five months

notice my "little man's" hand position... what a boy!

learning to sit

Finn will be 5 months old in a few days, so I thought I'd post now while I had the time. I love this age! He is becoming really social and much more talkative. He's becoming much more aware too, he'll turn his head back to see who's carrying him. He loves his big brother and gives out his best laughs to Cullen. He has found his feet and likes to reach for them. He is in the beginning stages of sitting, I'm trying to give him lots of practice while Cullen's sleeping. :) He gets excited when I show him one of his favorite toys and he anticipates me picking him up. Overall he's a happy baby (as long as he's being held!). I can't wait for Daddy and Finn to become reacquainted!

lounging

Here are some recent pictures of the boys hanging out.

Army Helicopter

A few months ago, we went to Grandma's school to see an Army Helicopter land in the playground. Cullen thought it was really cool to see people dressed like Daddy getting off this helicopter. He also talked a lot about how all the leaves flew off the trees when it landed.

CoCo in CO

reading with grandma

Cullen with CoCo in Garden of the Gods

We made it safely back to CO over the weekend, with a lot of help from CoCo. I'm so glad she made the trip back with me. Both boys traveled great, like the Army Brats they are. :) CoCo stayed here with us for several days and helped me get settled (she is the world's best organizer!). Thank goodness for CoCo. We were sad to see her go. So now we are here waiting for daddy to get home, but that should be soon.

Cullen misses Grandma, PaPa, and CoCo... but is excited for Daddy to get home. I am so thankful we were able to go and stay with family during this deployment. It made the time go fast and it was so nice to have the help. Thanks again!

Christmas

What more could a 3 year old ask for?

playing with a new toy

Finn with his cousins

Doesn''t he look dapper?

Getting ready to go to Midnight Mass

I am really late posting Christmas pictures! The boys had a wonderful Christmas, they got a lot of great gifts and Finn was able to meet several family members and friends for the first time. Even though Daddy wasn't with us, he was able to call (which is the next best thing).

Christmas round 2

playing with Uncle Johnny

Cullen relaxing in his new Spiderman chair

Finn waking up...

Transformers!

Happy New Year!